Country Profile: Anguilla

Anguilla is a small Caribbean island located between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico. With a population of approximately 19,416, the territory is known for its tourism-dependent economy, which has been gradually recovering from the impacts of COVID-19. Governed as a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom, Anguilla has a parliamentary democracy with a rich cultural heritage influenced by its diverse population and history.

Geography

Anguilla is situated in the northernmost part of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, characterized as a flat and low-lying island composed mainly of coral and limestone. It covers an area of 91 square kilometers, with no land boundaries and a coastline stretching 61 kilometers. The island experiences a tropical climate moderated by northeastern trade winds, making it prone to hurricanes and tropical storms from July to October.

Area: 91 sq km
Coastline: 61 km
Highest Point: Crocus Hill at 73 m
Maritime Claims: Territorial sea extends 12 nm
Natural Hazards: Frequent hurricanes

People and Society

As of 2024, Anguilla's population is estimated at 19,416, with a diverse ethnic composition primarily consisting of 85.3% African/Black, alongside Hispanic, mixed, and White groups. The official language is English, and the predominant religion is Protestantism, accounting for 73.2% of the population. The life expectancy is notably high at 82.6 years, indicative of the healthcare and living standards on the island.

Population: 19,416 (2024 est.)
Urban Population: 100% (2023)
Birth Rate: 11.69 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median Age: 37.5 years (2025 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate: 2.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Economy

Anguilla's economy is primarily fueled by tourism, which has been recovering following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The GDP is projected to reach approximately $362.5 million in 2024, with a per capita GDP of $31,000. Additionally, the territory is considering reopening its oil refinery as a potential economic boost. Public debt is notably high, requiring careful economic management.

Real GDP (PPP): $362.5 million (2024 est.)
GDP per Capita: $31,000 (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: Not specified, but the economy has been recovering post-COVID
Public Debt: 20.8% of GDP (2014 est.)
Inflation Rate: 3% (2022 est.)

Government

Anguilla operates under a parliamentary democracy as a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom. The territory's governance utilizes a common law legal system based on English law. The political structure includes a unicameral House of Assembly, and the current Premier is Cora Richardson-Hodge, with the British monarch as the head of state represented by a Governor.

Capital: The Valley
Political Parties: Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM), Anguilla United Front (AUF)
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
Legislative Structure: Unicameral (11 members)
National Holiday: Anguilla Day, celebrated on May 30

Military and Security

Anguilla does not maintain its own military; defense responsibilities fall under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom. This arrangement provides a measure of security for the territory while allowing local law enforcement to manage internal affairs.

Energy

Anguilla boasts a total electrification rate of 100%, ensuring that all residents have access to electricity. The energy sector is essential for supporting the tourism-dependent economy and improving overall living conditions.

Electricity Access: 100% (2020)

Environment

Environmental challenges include inadequate access to potable water and vulnerability to natural disasters such as hurricanes. The island's eco-system is largely influenced by its tropical climate and the limited agricultural land available.

Water Issues: Inadequate potable water
Forest Coverage: 61.1% (2022 est.)
Urbanization: 100% of total population (2023)
Climate: Tropical, moderated by trade winds

Transportation

Anguilla has a single airport and a small merchant marine fleet, indicating limited but essential transport infrastructure. The island’s connectivity is crucial for supporting tourism.

Airports: 1 (2025)
Merchant Marine: 2 vessels (2023)

Communications

The territory has a well-developed communications infrastructure, with a high mobile phone subscription rate. Internet penetration is also significant, with 81.6% of the population using the internet.

Mobile Subscriptions: 25,870 (2022)
Internet Users: 81.6% of the population (2021)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	19,416	(2024 est.)
Area	91 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$362.5 million	(2024 est.)
GDP per Capita	$31,000	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	Not specified
Birth Rate	11.69 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	82.6 years	(2024 est.)